-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Seattle is bigger , but Portland 's scrappy supporters pushed the Oregon city to a win in the latest CNN.com city smackdown .

The voting in our unscientific poll was neck and neck . Portland edged out Seattle with 52 % of the vote , but despite that narrow margin , Portland fans came out with much greater force and enthusiasm to defend the City of Roses .

iReporter Clinton Wood , who lives outside Portland in Tualatin , Oregon , acknowledges that Seattle is prettier than Portland . `` Well let 's face it , Seattle is perhaps in the most beautiful location in the continental United States . But does physical beauty make it a better city ? ''

Absolutely not , Wood claims in his defense of Portland , and goes on to list why `` Portland thumps Seattle . '' Among his reasons : Portland has more park space , much better mass transit , a stronger bicycling culture and proximity to superior skiing , a renowned Pinot Noir wine region and great areas for water sports . Plus , the weather 's better .

Seattle 's beauty is not so easily dismissed by iReporter Jane Crummett . `` I lived on Bainbridge Island , Washington , ` backyard of the Emerald City , ' for many years . The ferry system never got boring , and every time I rode the ferry I was dazzled by the beauty of the Puget Sound , '' says Crummett , who lived in the Seattle area for 12 years before moving to Charlotte , North Carolina .

Seattle resident Jessa Moon is a bit conflicted . `` While I love Seattle , let 's be clear , Portland is my city , '' writes Moon , who grew up in Portland .

PORTLAND

Moon names Last Thursday , a street fair held on the last Thursday of each month , as an example of what she loves about Portland .

Hippies and yuppies rub shoulders during the event held on Alberta Street in Northeast Portland , and `` hipsters showcase their latest patched vintage tweed jacket and creative take on facial hair to crowds that take in food truck fare , art , hand-sewn sock puppets , glass blown jars and any other obscure item your heart might ever have desired , '' Moon writes .

The Portland Saturday Market , an outdoor artists market open every Saturday and Sunday , also receives a thumbs up from several CNN.com readers .

Local Vern Baker and his wife are brunch aficionados . `` Brunch is one of our favorite food groups , '' he says .

For Portland-style brunch , Baker recommends Sanborn 's , Genies Cafe , Zell 's Cafe , The Country Cat and Cadillac Cafe . Commenter Laura Minnick says Cameo Cafe has the best breakfast in town `` hands down . ''

For delicious coffee , Baker 's votes go to Sisters Coffee Company and Stumptown Coffee Roasters . And Ken 's Artisan Pizza is the spot for great wood-fired pie , he says . Beer is the other big beverage in Portland . Minnick likes McMenamins , a homegrown microbrewing enterprise that runs dozens of pubs in Oregon and Washington .

Portland 's `` hundred or so food carts that compete with any brick and mortar restaurant in the city '' are another asset , a commenter writes .

Explore the city 's gourmet offerings , and then work off your indulgences with an outdoor excursion .

`` If you visit Portland , Mount Tabor is a must-see , '' says Moon . The city park situated on a volcanic cinder cone `` offers panoramic views of Hawthorne , downtown and Mount Hood . ''

Soak up some of the city 's culture , too . The enormous flagship Powell 's bookstore is a magnet for locals and visitors alike . Commenter Sabrina Messenger , who lives 80 miles south of Portland , enjoys visiting the Oregon History Museum and attending operas at the Keller Auditorium .

SEATTLE

Seattle fans were n't as forthcoming about the Emerald City 's strengths , but a few offered tips to give newcomers an overview of the city and its spectacular surroundings .

iReporter Crummett suggests a Duck tour for Seattle visitors . `` It is an easy way to see the city and gives you an idea of places where you might want to go explore in depth . ''

If you 're planning to take in panoramic views from the city 's Space Needle , which served as the symbol of the 1962 World 's Fair , she recommends splurging on a meal at the landmark 's revolving restaurant , SkyCity . Regular admission to the observation deck is $ 19 , but the elevator ride and observation deck are complimentary for diners .

Melanie Barrow visited Seattle for the first time during a military move from South Korea to Louisiana . She highly recommends a tour with Argosy Cruises . `` We took the salmon bake sunset cruise to Tillicum , and the dinner was unreal ! ''

`` The city is full of surprises and great shopping , '' says Crummett , and she recommends excursions to neighboring Bainbridge Island and Bremerton .

Commenter Steven Q suggests a visit to Seattle 's Green Lake Park , the famous Pike Place Market , which has been selling fresh produce , seafood and more since 1907 , and burgers from Dick 's . Bill , another commenter , also suggests a walk around Green Lake , a visit to the EMP Museum -LRB- `` if you are into music '' -RRB- and the Pacific Science Center .

Bill , who has lived in both cities but currently calls Seattle home , cast his vote firmly for Portland . `` The ` plan ' is to someday retire and get back to Portland . ''

Seattle supporters , where are the rest of you ? Share tips for visitors to both cities in the comments section below .

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Voting split in unscientific poll pitting Portland against Seattle

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Portland fans ' enthusiasm pushes the city ahead of Seattle

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Portland supporters share tips for great eateries , local events